EMDR

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.” The therapy is a non-drug, non-hypnosis psychotherapy procedure. A trained counsellor guides a client in concentrating on a troubling memory or emotion while rapidly moving their eyes back and forth. Much emotional healing happens while we sleep. Recreating the rapid eye movement, which occurs naturally during dreaming, can speed the client’s progress through the healing process.

What is EMDR used for?

EMDR is used to treat troubling symptoms such as anxiety, depression, guilt, anger, and post-traumatic reactions. It can also enhance emotional resources such as confidence and self-esteem. At Pivot Counselling, we love to explore different ways EMDR therapy can support you with current challenges.

What happens in a session?

EMDR is different for everyone because the healing process is guided from within. Past issues or memories related to the current concern sometimes arise, and a painful memory can bring up unpleasant emotions or bodily sensations. This is normal. Generally, if the EMDR continues, the upsetting emotion or memory often seems to fade and lose its power.

Does EMDR work during virtual counselling?

EMDR can be very effective through video counselling, and most clients report their surprise that virtual EMDR works just as well for them as it has in person. We will work together to find the right tools to support the bilateral stimulation (eye movements, sounds, tactile, etc.) required during EMDR. Different technology platforms let Vanessa control the bilateral stimulation while also watching your reactions and body movements so she can support you. We will spend extra time reviewing the technology and ensuring you are in a safe and comfortable space. Together, we’ll plan what supports will be in place should the session become dysregulating for you.

Why bring up a painful memory?

When painful memories are avoided, they keep their disturbing power. Flashbacks or nightmares can feel as upsetting and overwhelming as the original experience but do not help us move through the memory. In therapy and with EMDR, you can face the memory in a safe setting so that you do not feel overwhelmed. Then, you can get through it and move on.

Will I be in control?

You are always in charge of whether to continue or stop a session. You can also decide how much to say about the experience. Vanessa will guide you and help you stay on track to get the most out of the session. She’ll encourage you to continue through difficult parts. That said, it is hard to predict the thoughts, feelings, or memories that might arise during EMDR because so much depends on your natural healing process.

Are there any precautions?

Yes. Depending on your presenting problem, emotional stability, medical conditions, and other factors, there are specific procedures to follow. The therapist must be formally trained in EMDR. Otherwise, there is a risk that EMDR would be incomplete, ineffective, or even harmful.

Pivot Counselling can offer EMDR because Vanessa McConnell is a fully trained professional. She follows the evidence-based protocols and procedural steps of EMDR therapy.

What happens after EMDR?

You may continue to process the material for days or weeks after the session, perhaps having new insights, vivid dreams, strong feelings, or memory recall. You might find this confusing, but it is a continuation of the healing process. You can report these experiences to Vanessa at your next session. However, if you become concerned or depressed, you should call your counsellor immediately.

As your distressing systems fade, we can work on developing new skills and coping methods.